Caring mother and excellent cook put her family above all else
Mary D. Coppola 97, of Randall Manor, born to Francisco and Theresa Cupo of Thompkinsville, passed into paradise on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019.
Mary was a native Staten Islander and one of nine children, of which only three survived to adulthood. She graduated from Curtis High School in 1940.
Prior to her marriage she worked for National Car Loading Co. in Manhattan. After the birth of her two sons, she returned to work at the West New Brighton Savings and Loan before starting work for the City of New York, Dept. of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, where she rose from an entry level position to the rank of principal administrative associate III. She retired in 1985 after having worked for the Department for 27 years.
Mary was a proud member of the Westerleigh chapter of the AARP, The Blessed Sacrament Seniors, and the Golden Years Seniors of the Trinity, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Bulls Head. She was also a member of the North Shore Grandmothers Club, The Sons of Italy and the Columbiettes. She volunteered for D.A. Mike McMann's campaigns.
Mary was also past president of the Randall Manor Women's Club. She contributed to many charities.
Mary had unstoppable strength that enabled her to move mountains for her family. Mary was a caring and loving mother who put family above everything else.
After retiring, Mary enjoyed travelling all over the United States and Canada with her husband, John, who passed away in 1993 after 47 years of marriage. Mary loved being with her extensive family and enjoyed cooking huge six-course holiday dinners! Everyone loved her specialty dishes, which included meatballs, lasagna, zeppole, pizza rustica and pizza gran. She was always searching for unusual recipes to add to her recipe collection.
In addition to her beloved husband, John, she was also predeceased by her grandson, Thomas Coppola II.
Mary was extremely proud of her family and is survived by two sons, Jack (Rorie) of Colt's Neck, N.J., and Thomas (Denise) of Randall Manor.
She is also survived by six grandchildren, Jennifer Gottlieb (Geoffrey), Danielle O'Ree (Christopher), John Anthony, Christian (Megan), Jacqueline, and Douglas (Marci); 10 great- grandchildren; her dear friend, Rose Krause; her cousin, Julie Kambos, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She will be mourned and missed by all.
A viewing at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave., Staten Island, will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 25, 2019, at Sacred Heart Church. Interment will follow at Moravian Cemetery.
Harmon Funeral Home
571 Forest Ave.
Staten Island, N.Y. 10310
(718) 442-5056
Published in Staten Island Advance on Apr. 23, 2019
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